Referendum on November Ballot Saves Taxpayers Dollars

Community Contributor Jane Ballengee

I attended a lunch meeting of the League of Women Voters Glenview / Glencoe a week ago. It was about what is on the November ballot and what is not. These luncheons teach us a lot about what we are voting on in November. I thought the information regarding the vote to "Eliminate the Elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds Position" was very important and should be shared with others. I have included the information provided and the important line on the savings the taxpayers would see as a result of the merger. It is so important that we evaluate all areas that could be beneficial and would result in taxpayer savings. So below is the information the League presented:Cook County League of Women Voters Urges Abolition of Recorder's Office COOK COUNTY

League of Women Voters urges YES vote to Eliminate the Elected Cook County Recorder of Deeds PositionConsolidation with County Clerk's office would save millions for taxpayers Chicago- September 8, 2016-The League of Women Voters of Cook County, a non-partisan group that advocates for good government and transparent democracy, recommends Cook County voters choose "YES" on a ballot referendum this November 8th which would abolish the elected office of Cook County Recorder of Deeds, and consolidate its duties within the Cook County Clerk's office. The League, after careful study, estimates at least $1 million per year will be saved by combining the two offices, and that other efficiencies should be realized. "While some may think that this is not a significant savings in a County government with over a $4 billion budget, this cost savings could be used for other important County programs, such as anti-violence efforts," said League Co-President Karin Hribar. "Moreover, this is an annual savings of $1 million or more" stressed Diane Edmundson, the other Co-President.Since there are no established professional requirements for the elected position of Cook County Recorder, the elected Cook County Clerk can reasonably hire a Deputy Clerk to perform the Recorder's duties, as has always been done, the League found. The League also found that most of the largest counties in the United States have already consolidated their Recorder duties into their County Clerk's offices, without adverse results.The League's study can be found at the League's web site: www.lwvcookcounty.org.The Cook County Board voted in July to place this referendum on the November 8 ballot. The referendum that will be set before voters on November 8th, 2016 reads in total:"Shall the Office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds be eliminated and all duties and responsibilities of the Office of the Cook County Recorder of Deeds be transferred to, and assumed by, the Offices of the Cook County Clerk by December 7, 2020?"The League of Women Voters of Cook County is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. The Cook County League is composed of the members of the 13 local Leagues within Cook County. If you need further information you can follow up with please call or e-Mail: Priscilla Mims, 312-861-0166, mimspa@aol.com

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